The Family Search blog posted several items today about the westward migration, including the post: The Westward Expansion and Pioneers — How It Affects Your Family History. Even though I can’t prove any of my ancestors migrated to California or Oregon, I have done some trail research. In particular, I am looking for Hiram M. Currey who disappears sometime between 1845 and 1850.
Operating under the assumption that he might have gone to California in 1849 for the Gold Rush, I have sought out memoirs and diaries of the trek west. One of the resources I’ve used is the book, Platte River Road Narratives by Merrill J. Mattes. This book not only indexes around 2000 trail diaries but provides a description of the diary and information regarding the repository where the diary may be found.
I was able to read many of the diaries from the Peoria, Illinois area when I visited the Merrill J Mattis Research Library at the National Frontier Trails Museum in Independence Missouri.
Another resource I’ve used in my trail research is the series of books, Covered Wagon Women: Diaries & Letters from the Western Trails. Each book contains several diaries, letters or journals written by women about their journey west.
I investigated these books hoping to find mention of my Peoria, llinois Currey family. I did not find my Currey family. Instead I found the complete journal written by Amelia Hadley, my great grandmother’s sister.
These diaries, journals and letters provide great insight into the journey west. They are well worth the effort to locate and read.
Wow! What a cool find. Good luck with Hiram. I do a lot of gold rush research, so I’ll keep my eyes open for that name. I’ll have to check out that book. Most of my people went the sea route, but one important character did the land route in 1849, and fortunately wrote a detailed memoir. But it would be good to find corroboration.
Eilene – What is your ancestor’s name? I can check to book and send you the info if he is in it.
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